Lipitor 40 Mg Vs. Bestatin 20 Mg

[Dario]

My mother of 88 years has to take quite some medication every day, some of which is not really cheap here. Take f.e. Lipitor. A box of Lipitor 40 mg containing 30 tablets costs somewhere between 2'700 and 2'850 Baht in Pattaya. I just read that it's a drug to lower cholesterol levels.

Coincidently, I'm taking a similar drug, but was described Bestatin 20. A box Bestatin 20 containing 20 tablets costs between 130 and 144 Baht in Pattaya. That is 20 times (!!) cheaper than Lipitor.

I think, most people just get medication prescribed by their doctor, but most of the time are not 100% aware what it is for. That (was) the case with me. But in the future, I really want to know.

I'm just about to order 2 boxes of Lipitor for my mother. She takes 1/2 a tablet per day. That is 20 mg.

I just fell over this article. According to this, a patient replaced Lipitor with Bestatin. Would it be safe to do this for my mother? Can anyone in the know tell me, I think Sheryl is a member who knowws a lot about this. I have seen her name popping up lots of times in this forum ...

[lopburi3]

Your mother seems to live here so I would have her talk with her doctor here (and if she does not have one find one). As you mention a lot of medications any change should likely be by a medical professional with full knowledge of all the medications prescribed. In most cases there are much more reasonably priced alternatives, as you are using, for some of the high priced drugs that might be prescribed elsewhere.

[Thanyaburi Mac]

I used to be on Lipitor for a few years then switched to Bestatin about 6-8 years back, both 20 mg. Cholesterol level fine, about 200.

Mac

[Mobi]

My Harley Street specialist in the UK switched me from Lipitor to Bestatin many years ago, possible 10 years.

They both perform the same function, but cost definitely wasn't a consideration in my case.

I would say its a pretty safe bet to make the switch but by all means run it by a doc, just to make sure and to get the dosage correct.

[Sheryl]

They are the same class of drug and pharmacologically related but not identical.

The maximum dosage for bestatin (simvastatin) is half that of Lipitor (atrovastatin) so indeed 20 of bestatin is about the equivalent of 40 of lipitor.

Most people who respond well to Lipitor will do likewise on simvastatin, but if your mother has a physician (either here, or one back home you can contact) would be good tio check and ask if there is any reason not to make this change, explaining that there is a huge cost difference as simnvastatin is manufactired locally.

If a change is made, should be sure to recheck her lipid panel witihnin say 3 months. (She should be getting periodic checks anyhow.)

[d2g]

They are the same class of drug and pharmacologically related but not identical.

The maximum dosage for bestatin (simvastatin) is half that of Lipitor (atrovastatin) so indeed 20 of bestatin is about the equivalent of 40 of lipitor.

Most people who respond well to Lipitor will do likewise on simvastatin, but if your mother has a physician (either here, or one back home you can contact) would be good tio check and ask if there is any reason not to make this change, explaining that there is a huge cost difference as simnvastatin is manufactired locally.

If a change is made, should be sure to recheck her lipid panel witihnin say 3 months. (She should be getting periodic checks anyhow.)

Dosage ratio is incorrect. Simvastatin dosage is twice that of Lipitor (20mg of Lipitor equivalent to 40mg of Simvastatin. Another local brand of Simvastatin is Zimmex. Zimmex is cheaper than Bestatin.

Only significant difference between Lipitor and Simvastatin(other than cost) is grapefruit should be avoided for several hours before/after taking med.(grapefruit inhibits effectiveness)

[lopburi3]

Actually a quick check shows dosage range is about the same with Zocor being 5-80mg and Lipitor being 10-80mg per day at RxList.

Initial recommended dosage is different with 20-40mg for Zocor and 10-20mg for Lipitor

As for Zimmex both my doctor and wife doctor changed us to Bestatin when it became available a few years ago (private and government hospitals at the time) so suspect doctors have more faith in the latter.

[Sheryl]

Just learned there is a generic equivalent to Lipitor (avorstatin) now made in Thailand.

Brand name is Atorsan, made by GPO.

So mty be possible to save $$ without any change in drug. It comes in 10, 20 and 40 mg tablets.